Stratigraphic Cross Section Interpretation Exercise

Determining a Sequence of Geologic Events

Law of Original Horizontality: Sedimentary rock layers were originally deposited in horizontal layers.

Law of Superposition: Oldest rock layers are on the bottom Law of Continuity of the Layers: All rock layers are laterally continuous and may be broken up or displaced by later events.

Law of Cross-Cutting: Any geologic event that affects a rock layer must be younger than the rock layer it affects 

Applying basic geologic principles: Laws of original horizontality, superposition, and cross-cutting arelationships explain the order of this diagram with the order of formation:


Section Interpretation Exercise
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